Coin dispensing apparatus



Nov. 3, 1959 J. QUINN ETAL 2,910,991

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COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS I 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 3, 1959 Filed May 16, 1957 NVENZI'ORS.

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COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 16, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 7a 50; [Ala/0 5s 91 70 5oz [Ala/p 61 7a 50: 51/0/10 60 7a sou-wow e2 (7 INV ENTORS. 97W %mcmz mz zua 5 1959 J. QUINN EI'AL 2,910,991

COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 16, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 INVENTORS. W ofqwm Nov. 3, 1959 J,L U1NN m1 9,910,991

COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 16, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 K AVE 019 ED INVENTORS.

Unitd tates Patent COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS Application May 16, 1957, Serial No. 659,670

11 Claims. (Cl. 133-2) A The present invention relates in general to coin dispensing apparatus of the type which ejects from coinholding magazines one or more coins totaling any one of several possible values of change. More particularly, the invention is concerned With electrically controlled coin changing apparatus, and has as its general aim the creation of a more simplified, compact, inexpensive and reliable form of such apparatus.

In coin dispensing apparatus of the type described, a relatively small number, e.g., eight, magazines are employed for holding coins of various denominations, each magazine having an associated ejector means for supplying coins of primary values therefrom. To obtain any one .of several total change values, e.g., from 1 to 99, it is necessary to actuate the eight ejector means in different ones of a great plurality of different combinations.

To do this electrically has in the past required selecting switches equipped with a large number of contacts, necessitated complex wiring systems, consumed a large amount of space, and left high the chances of faulty operation through the failure of one or more of the vast number of switch contacts to operate properly.

By improved contrast, it is an object of the present invention to bring forth a reliable coin dispensing apparatus in which the-several selecting switches need have but one or two contacts, permitting the arrangement of switches to be more compactly mounted and making the operation of the circuitry highly reliable.

It is a related object of the invention to provide electrically controlled coin changing apparatus in which a relatively small number-of ejector means can be activated in any one of a large number of combinations by virtue of electrical connections established in part through selecting switch contacts and in part through unidirec tionally conductive devices, to the end that each selector switch employed causes activation of a unique combination of the ejector means. A

A further object of the invention is to provide a keyboard and associated circuits for such coin dispensing apparatus organized such that they may be readily manufactured through the use of printed circuit wiring connec- ICC a second ejection action cannot occur if the selector switch should be held closed.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the following description proceeds, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of coin dispensing apparatus embodying the features of the invention;

Figs. 2 and 3 are side views, taken partially in section substantially along the lines 22 and 3'3, respectively, in Fig. l; i

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary detail view of means for detecting when a coin-holding magazine is substantially empty;

Fig. 5 is a plan view looking along the line 55 in Fig. 3, but progressively broken away and sectioned for illustration of details;

Figs. 6A, 6B and 60 when connected along the indicated junction lines form a schematic diagram of the keyboard selector switches and circuitry, some of the switches and wiring connections being omitted for clarity;

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of the physical arrangement of the selector switches and circuit connections employed in the keyboard;

' Fig. 8 is a fragmentary bottom view of the top panel for the keyboard, showing the undersides of the slidable pushbuttons of the selecting switches;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary plan view of a printed circuit panel employed in the keyboard;

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary bottom view of the printed circuit panel;

Figs. 11 and 12 are sectional views taken substantially along the lines 11.11 and 12-12, respectively, in Fig. 8 and illustrating the details of the selecting switches; and

Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram of the control circuits for the power-operated ejecting means.

While the invention has been shown and will be described in some detail with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, there is no intention that it thus be tions, and such that they lend themselves admirably to being remotely located from, and connected 'by cable conductors. to, the coin magazines and ejector means.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an arrangement in which one cycle of operation of power means for effecting the ejection of coins is initiated in response to the energization of any one electrical actuator or selector device, yet in which all of the electrical actuators for a desired combination of coins are energized simultaneously, precluding false starts of the power means before all of the actuators for a desired combination are energized.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a control system in which closure of any one of a plurality of selector switches both selects the combination of coins to be ejected and initiates the ejecting action, but in which limited to such detail. On the contrary, it is intended here to cover all modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings, a coin dispensing apparatus constituting a preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated in Fig. 1, in this instance comprising a coin magazine assembly 15 and a keyboard 16, the latter being remotely located from and connected to the former by a multiple conductor cable 18. In gen eral terms, the assembly 15 includes a removable coin tray 17 'formed with a plurality of magazines 19-26 adapted to hold coins of various denominations. In this instance, the first three magazines 19-21 are dimensioned to receive stacks of pennies, the fourth magazine 22 is shaped to receive a stack of nickles, the fifth and sixth magazines 23, 24 are adapted "to hold stacks of dimes,

while the seventh and eighth magazines 25 and 26 are former being apertured to receive a plurality of pushbuttons 34 forming a part of selector switches. As here shown, there are ninety-nine 'such switch pushbuttons arranged in a 10 x 10 rectangular array, the place in the first row and first column of the array being vacant, but here shown as occupied by an auxiliary switch pushbutton 3 5 for a purpose to be described below. As

labeled in Fig. 1, each of the switch pushbuttons 3'4 is assigned a different change value between 1 and 99, inclusive, there being ten columns which contain switches assigned to change values having units of 9, respectively, and ten rows assigned to change values ha ving 0-9 multiples of ten, respectively. As will be more fully explained, the momentary depression of any of the switch buttons 34 causes the corresponding't'otal value of change to be ejected from the magazines 19-2 6 and deposited in the cup 29. Such change values will be made up by coins constituting the best change, i.e., the least possible number of coins for the total value desired.

Besides the ninety-nine switch buttons 34 disposed in the rectangular array, there are five extra switch buttons 36 labeled 10, 25, 50 and $1.00. These are change switches rather than payer switches. That is, actuation of one of these auxiliary switches will result in the ejection, not of best change, but of a plurality of coins totaling the value indicated. For example, in response to actuation of the 5 button 36, five pennies will be ejected instead of a nickel, and in response to actuation'of the 50 button 36, one quarter, two dimes and a nickel will be ejected rather than one half-dollar.

While the present invention is illustrated in connection with a coin payer which produces change totaling the amount labeled on the respective switch buttons 34, it will be'understood that the invention may be applied with equal advantage in a coin changer, i.e., a device which ejects coins totaling the difference between $1.00 and the amount assigned to the respective pu'shbuttons. In short, the present invention may be employed with advantage in coin dispensing apparatus in general, regard less of the specific character of that apparatus.

Turning now in more detail to'the magazine assembly 15, the coin tray 17 in which the magazines 19-26 are formed is removable from the rest of the assembly. It may be locked in place by any suitable means (not shown). As shown in Fig. 4, when the tray 17 is in place, it'depresses the actuator pin TSa of a tray switch TS. The latter switch, in a manner explained below, disables all of the electric controls unless the coin tray is in place and the pin TSa is depressed. The coin magazines 19-26 are each formed in the tray 17 with a vertical slot or opening 40 '(Fig. 5) in their front walls, which will not let coins pass laterally therethrough. At the Very bottom of each magazine, however, the slot 40 is widened, as at 40a (Fig. 5) so that one ortwo coins may be pushed forwardly from the magazine into the chute 28. In the present instance, the widened slot portion 40a at the bottom of the magazines 20 and 21 is sufficiently high so that two pennies maybe ejected simultaneously from these two magazines. in all of the other magazines 19 and 22-26, the widened portion 40a of the slot 40 is sufiiciently hightop'ennit only one coin at a time to be pushed forwardly into the chute 28. Thus, the magazines themselves may be labeled as shown in'Fig. 5, as constructed to individually contribute for each ejection cycle thereof coins valuing 1, 2, 2, 5, 10, 10, and 50, respectively.

Extending rearwardly behind each of the magazines 1926 is a bracket 41 (Figs. 3 and 5) which supports a slide id. Such slides are biased rearwardly and upwardly by tension springs 45, and have projecting tabs 44a which are thus brought into engagement with stops or abutments 46 mounted on the respective brackets 41. Each of the slides 44 is disposed with 'its forward end in a slot opening into the lower portion of the corresponding coin magazine. As each slide 44 is moved forwardly, it engages the bottom coin in the magazine (the two bottom coins in magazines'ltt and 21) and pushesit forwardly into the chute 28. H

For selectively shifting the slides 44, a plurality of ejector fingers 49 are pivotally connected as at 50't'o the crosspiece 511 of an inverted U-sha'ped member SZ'Which is pivoted at its opposite ends 54 to rock forwardly and rearwardly. The fingers 49 are movable between operative or effective positions, and inoperative or ineffective positions, by virtue of their pivotal connections to the crosspiece 51. They are normally biased downwardly (solid line position, Fig. 3) to their ineffective positions by individual leaf springs 54, so that downwardly projecting tabs 49a on such fingers abut adjustable stop screws 55 carried by the crosspiece 51. In such ineffective positions, the fingers 49 will pass beneath the associated slides 44 when the U-shaped member 52 is rocked forwardly, thus leaving the slides unmoved so that coins are not ejected from the corresponding magazines.

Electrical actuators are provided for selectively raising the ejector fingers 49 to their effective positions (dashed lines, Fig. 3) and causing them to abut and push the associated slides 44- forwardly, thereby ejecting a coin or coins from the corresponding magazines. As here illustrated, such actuators take the form of electromagnetic selector solenoids 59-66 supported by the respective brackets 41 and disposed immediately above respective ones of the ejector fingers 49. 'Energization of each'solenoid 59 66 causes magnetic attraction of the associated finger 49, so that the latter is raised against the bias of its leaf spring 54 to a position in which its forward end is disposed opposite the rear end of the corresponding slide 44. If the -U-shaped member 52 is then rocked forwardly, the raised finger 49 will engage and shift the associated slide 44 forwardly, causing the latter to eject a coin or coins from the associated magazine. It will be noted that the rear ends of the slides 44-are slotted as at 44b (Fig. 3) while the fingers 49 each are formed with a narrow key portion 4% adapted to enter the slot 4%. Thus, once a selector finger- 49 has becn'raised and advanced sufiiciently by movement of the U-shaped member '52 sothat the key 4% enters the slot 445, the-fingerand slide will remain in engagement until the U-shaped member is returned to its original position. Through this arrangement, each of the solenoids need remain energized only for a period of time suflicient for the finger key 4912 to enter the slide slot 4412, after which the solenoid may be tie-energized for the remainder of theejection-cycle.

For-powering the rocking of the U-shaped'member 52, it is connected by a pitman '68 to an eccentric 69 on the output shaft of a gear motor '70. As the eccentric '69 rotates through one revolution, the U-shaped member 52 will'rock forwardly and rearwardly, causing those particular ones of the ejector fingers 49 which have been moved to operative positions to engage and shift the corresponding slides 44 forwardly, thus causing simultaneous ejection of coins from those particular magazines which correspond to the raised fingers 49.

The gear motor 7 0 is energized or its operation initiated in a manner which will be explained below. Once 'en ergized, however, the motor70 continues to rotate until its outputzshaft has made one complete revolution. For this purpose, a spiral cam 71 is mounted on the output shaft of the gear motor 70 and formed with a portion 710! of relatively great radius. A cam follower 72 carried by a spring-arm 74 engages the surface of the cam 71 and is normally deflected downwardly by the cam portion 7111. When the motor 70 begins rotation, the cam follower 72 moves radially inward, thus releasing the actuator pin 75 of a cam switch CS. When the motor output shaft has made one complete revolution, the cam portion 71a again deflects the spring arm 74 downwardly, pressing the actuator 75 inwardly, and, by means to be described, terminating the energization of the motor. To make certain that the pitman 68 and the member 52 a1- ways'stop in the same position when the cam switch-CS de-energizes the motor 70, a springbiased ball detent 76 is preferably carried by the cam 71 or a part that rotates therewith. When the motor shaft has reached home position, the ball detent snaps into a recess formed in an adjacent stationary. part (not visible in the drawings) to shift the shaft to a predetermined stopped position. In this manner, the gear motor 70 is caused to advance and retract the U-shaped member 52 one time for each ejection cycle.

Since the magazine assembly 15 may be remotely located from the keyboard 16, it is desirable to disable the apparatus and warn the operator if any of the coin magazines is almost empty. Otherwise, an incorrect amount of change might be ejected. For this purpose, the rear walls of the magazines 19-26 are formed with vertical slots 78 through which pass the depending ears 79a'of emptydetector plates 79. These plates 79 are pivoted to the brackets 41 behind and above each of the corresponding magazines, and are so shaped as to be overbalanced. Their depending ears 7921 are thus biased by gravity toward the interior of the corresponding magazine. If coins within any given magazine should be reduced to a predetermined small number, the ears 79a of the corresponding plate will be released and permitted to swing toward the interior of the magazine. As stacks of coins are inserted into the magazines, however, they will engage and shift the ears 79a rearwardly.

To indicate when any magazine is about empty, i.e., when any of the plates 79 swings forwardly, all of such plates are formed with alined apertures 79b. Inserted through all of these apertures is a crosspiece 80a of a U-shaped lever 80 pivoted as at 81 to the end brackets 41 and hearing at one end against a leaf spring 82 which engages the actuator pin 84 of an empty swith E mounted on one end bracket. If any one of the plates 79 swings forwardly, the rear edge of its aperture 7% will engage the crosspiece 8042 (Fig. 4), pushing the latter downwardly so that the leaf spring 82 depresses the actuator 84 of the empty detection switch E. The purpose and consequences of such switch actuation will be more fully explained below.

The switch means and circuity for energizing the selector solenoids 59-66 and positioning the ejector fingers 49 in any combination to obtain ejection -of any change value between 1 and 99 are schematically illustrated in Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C. As there shown, the eight selector solenoids 59-66, which as previously explained will upon energization cause ejection of coins valuing l, 2, 2, 10, 25 and 50, respectively, are all connected through the coil of a relay R1 (for a purpose to be explained) to the negative terminal 90 of a DC. voltage source. A plurality of circuit conections lead through the ninety-nine pushbutton switches (only certain ones of which are shown in Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C) to a positive terminal 91 of the voltage source. Eight primary conductors assigned to primary change values of l, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 25, and 50, respectively, as shown in Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, lead from the solenoids 59-66. That is, connections are established such that when these respective primary conductors are energized, and the ejecting mechanism put through one cycle of operation, the corresponding primary change values will be ejected. By the term, energized, as used in this specification, and in the claims, it is meant that connections are established to a conductor which permit current flow therethrough, and through those particular .solenoids 59-66 which are associated with that conductor. .It will be seen that because none of the magazines and their associated ejectors are constructed to eject primary change values of 4 and 20, some special provision is made in order to obtain those primary change values in :response to energization of the corresponding primary conductor. 7

To cause ejection of the primary change value of 4 .in response to energization of the 4 primary conductor, zthe solenoid 61 is connected directly to the 4 primary conductor through a unidirectionally conductive device a p -or diode 92 (Fig. 6C). The diode 92 is poled such that of the 4 primary conductor is energized, both the solenoids 60 and 61 will attract or raise their associated ejector fingers 49 so that upon operation of the gear motor, two pennies will be ejected from each of the magazines 20 and 21 to produce a total of 44: in change. On the other hand, if the 2 primary conductor is energized, the solenoid 60 alone will raise its associated ejector finger 49, because the diode 92 prevents current flow through the solenoid 61. It will be understood that the diode 92 could be eliminated if the magazine 21 were constructed to eject four pennies during each cycle of ejector operation instead of two pennies, as previously described. However, by the present arrangement it is possible to make all of the parts and dimensions for the magazines 20 and 21 identical. Also, reliability of operation is increased since there is less possible variation in the height of a stack of two pennies as compared with a stack of four pennies, owing to wear of individual coins.

In like manner, the ejection of a primary change value of 20 in response to energization of the 20 primary conductor is achieved by connecting that conductor directly to the solenoid 64 and through a diode 94 to the solenoid 63. Thus the diode 94 is poled such that upon energization of the 20 primary conductor, current will flow through both the solenoids 63 and 64, so that upon operation of the ejecting mechanism, one dime will be ejected from each of the magazines 23 and 24. It will be observed, however, that upon energization of the 10 primary conductor, the solenoid 63 alone will be energized so that a primary change value of 10 or one dime, will be ejected. Again, it would be possible to eliminate the diode 94 by so constructing the second dime magazine 24 in a manner that one ejection cycle would push two dimes therefrom. However, by the arrangement described employing the diode 94, the parts and dimensions for the two magazines 63, 64 may be made identical, and reliability is enhanced.

The keyboard switches and circuitry include means for selectively energizing the eight primary conductors in order to obtain any one of the eight primary change values named above. For this purpose, the l, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 25, and 50 selector switches as shown in Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, each have normally open contacts connected in series between the corresponding primary conductors and the positive voltage source terminal 91. For example, if the 1 selector switch button 34 is pressed, current can flow from the positive terminal 91 through the 1B and 1A contacts in series to the 1 primary conductor, thence through the 1 solenoid 59 and the relay coil R1 to the negative terminal Accordingly, the ejector finger 49 beneath the solenoid 59 will be moved to its operative position, and upon one revolution of the gear motor 70 the'associated slide 44 will be shifted forwardly'to eject one penny into the coin chute 28. A similar operation will occur if the other primary change value selector switches labeled 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 25 and 50 are actuated. It will be observed, however, that when the 4 primary switch is closed, and current flows over the 4 primary conductor, both solenoids 60 and 61 will move their associated ejector fingers 49; and if the 20 primary selector switch is closed to energize the 20 primary conductor, both solenoids 63 and 64 will move their associated ejector fingers 49 to operative positions.

Each of the selector switches shown in Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C has at least two normally open contacts A and B. The construction of the switches is such that the A contacts close first, and remain closed or wipe, and the B contacts close later in the progress of the pushbutton being depressed. While as the circuitry has thus far been described, the second set or B contacts of each selector switch are not absolutely necessary, simply being in series with the A contacts, they perform an important function which will be made clear hereinafter.

To obtain ejection of certain total change values which are made up-of the sums of two primary change values, a third contact is added to the corresponding selector switches. As here shown, the 6, 7, 9, 11, 12 and 14 switches all have a third normally open contact C. Taking the 6 switch by way of example, depression of its pushbutton will complete a circuit from the positive terminal 91 through the contacts B and A in series to the '5 primary conductor, and also complete a circuit through the contacts B and C in series to the 1 primary conductor. Accordingly, both the solenoids 59 and 62 will raise their associated ejector fingers 4-9, so that one revolution-of the gear motor will result in ejection of one penny from the magazine 19 and one nickel from the magazine 22-making a total of 6 change. The same rationale applies with respect to the operation of the other switches named above. It will be seen, for example, that if the 12 selector switch is depressed, its contacts A and C will complete a circuit from the positive terminal 91 through its contacts B to energize the and 2 primary conductors, so that change totaling 12 will be ejected from the magazines. This same system-is employedfor switches not shown in Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C assigned to change values of 21 (+1), 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 51, 52 and 54.

For the purpose of eliminating the necessity for more than two contacts on any of the selector switches (the series contacts B on each switch being unnecessary but desirable for a special purpose to be made clear below), a plurality of secondary conductors are employed and means provided to cause ejection of any one of a plurality of secondary change values in response to energization of respective ones of those secondary conductors. In the present instance, as shown in Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, fifteen such secondary conductors are provided and associated with means to cause energization of the solenoids 59-66 in such combinations that fifteen secondary change values can be selectively obtained. As labeled in Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C, these secondary conductors are interconnected between the eight primary conductors by unidirectionally conductive devices such that upon energization of the secondary conductors, secondary change values of 3, 15, 30, and will be ejected from the coin magazine. As shown in Fig. 6A, the 3 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 95 to the 1 and 2 primary conductors, the diodes being similarly poled with respect to the voltage source so that upon energization of the 3 secondary line by connecting it with the positive source'terminal 91, current can flow through those diodes and over the 1 and 2 primary conductors to the solenoids 59 and 60. Thus, it will be seen that by pressing the 3 selector switch which has its normally open contacts A and B in series between the 3 secondary conductor and the positive source terminal 91, both the solenoids 59' and '60 will be energized to cause the ejection of 3 from the coin magazines. it will be observed, however, that while the 1'"and 2 primary conductors may be simultaneously energized through the diodes 95 when the 3 secondary conductor is energized, the direct energization of the l or 2 primary conductors by themselves cannot result in the energization of the other one of the primary conductors because of the unidirectional conductivity of the diodes.

In like manner, it will be seen that the 15 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of similarly poled diodes 96 to both the 5 and 10primary conductors. Energization of the secondary conductor 15 will therefore result in energization of both the solenoids 62 and 63 which are associated with the 5 and 10 coin magazines 22 and 23. The 30 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 98 to both the 5 and 25 primary conductors, so that upon energization of the'3'0 secondary conductor, as by closure of the 30 selector switch, a secondary change value of 30 will be obtained from the coin magazines. The 35 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 99 to both the 10 and 25 primary conductors. To obtain a secondary change value of 40 upon energization of the 40 secondary conductor, the latter is connected by a pair of diodes 100 to the 10 primary conductor and the 30 secondary conductor. Therefore, upon energization of the 40 secondary line, the solenoid 63 will be energized .(to cause ejection of a dime), and both the solenoids 62 and 65 will be energized (to cause ejection of a nickel and a quarter, respectively).

In a similar manner, the 45 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of similarly poled diodes 101 to both the 20 and 25 primary conductors; the 55 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 102- to both the 5 and 50 primary conductors; the 60 secondary conductor is connected by diodes 104 to the 10 and 50 primary conductors; the65 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of similarly poled diodes 105 to the 60 secondary conductor and the 5 primary conductor; the 70 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 106 to the 50 and 20 primary conductors; the 75 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 108 to the 25 and 50 primary conductors; the 80 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 109 to both the 5 primary conductor and the 75 secondary conductor; the 85 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 110 to the 10 primary conductor and the 75 secondary conductor; the 90 secondary .conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 111 to both the 10 primary conductor and the 80 secondary conductor; and the 95 secondary conductor is connected by a pair of diodes 112 to both the 20 primary conductor andthe 75 secondary conductor.

From the foregoing, it will be readily understood how each of the above-mentioned secondary change values is obtained in response to energization of the corresponding secondary conductor. Merely by way of example, consider the circuits established upon closure of the 90 se1ec tor switch (Fig. 6C). Closure of the B and A contacts, which are in series, will'connect the positive voltage source terminal 91 directly to the 90 secondary conductor. Accordingly, current can iiow through the upper diode 111 to the solenoid 63 (which will cause ejectionof one dime from the magazine 23) and can flow through the lower diode 111 to energize the 80 secondary conductor. From the latter conductor, current can flow through the upper diode 109 and over the 5 primary conductor to the solenoid 62 (which will cause ejection of a nickel from the magazine 22). Current may also flow from the 80 secondary conductor through the lower diode 109 to the 75 secondary conductor, and thence through the upper diode 108 to the 25 conductor and the solenoid 65 (which will cause ejection of a quarter from the magazine 25). Current also fiowsthrough the lower diode 108 to the 50 primary conductor and solenoid 66 -(which will cause ejection of a half-dollar from the magazine 66). The total of these coinsone dime, one nickel, one quarter, and one half-dollarconstitutes the desired secondary change value.

The advantage of providing secondary conductors, and particularly secondary conductors assigned the values indicated above, will be made more clear as the following description proceeds. Consider for the moment, however, the 15 secondary conductor. It will be seen that it is related to the solenoids 62 and 63 which when energized respectively cause the ejection of one nickel and one dime. These two electrical actuators or solenoids may be individual energized by closure of the 5 and 10 selector switches respectively. But a third switch, i.e., the 15 selector switch, is connected through the 15 secondary conductor and the two diodes 96 to boththe 5 and 10 primary conductors. As a result, and due to the polarization of the diodes 96 with respect to the DC. voltage source represented by the terminals'90 and 91,

- 9 closure of the 15 selector switch energizes both the and primary conductors and solenoids 62 and 63. But closure of either the 5 or the 10 selector switch alone will result in energization of the corresponding primary conductor and solenoid, but without energizing the other primary conductor and solenoid.

To obtain change values between and it is only necessary to make the 16, 17, 18 and 19 selector switches have 'two effective contacts, one of which can cause energization of the 15 secondary conductor, and the others of which energize those conductors to produce the additional change required, i.e., 1, 2, 3, or 4 in order to make up the total of 16, 17, 18, or 19. This is illustrated by way of example in Fig. 6B by the 16 selector switch. As there shown, the switch has three contacts A, B and C, the B contacts being for a special purpose to be described. The A contacts of the 16 switch When closed complete a conduction path from the positive terminal 91 through the B contacts to the 15 secondary conductor. The C contacts likewise complete a conduction path to the 1 primary conductor. Therefore, when the 16 selector switch is actuated, one penny, one nickel, and one dime totaling the desired 16 in change will be ejected from the coin magazines.

It will be apparent from the foregoing how all of the other selector switches between 1 and 99 which are not shown in Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C may be connected in order to provide all of the various possible change values. For example, the 17 selector switch which is not shown shown would be identical with the 16 selector switch except that its C contacts would connect with the 2- primary conductor rather than the 1 primary conductor. In like manner, change values between, say 45, and 50 could be obtained by providing switches having A and C contacts to complete energization paths to both the 45 secondary conductor and the 1, 2, 3, and 4 conductors, respectively. This pattern of wiring, therefore, utilizing one switch for each of many possible values of change which may be obtained, a plurality of primary conductors, and a plurality of secondary conductors interconnected by diodes to the primary conductors results in a circuit organization which not only permits switches having alesser number of contacts but also permits the use of a relatively simple wiring arrangement.

In order to understand how very. systematic and simple the actual wiring for the keyboard switches and circuitry may be, reference may be had to the diagrammatic form of the physical circuit connections as shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 represents diagrammatically the physical structure and wiring connections on the lower panel 32 in the keyboard assembly 16. For clarity, only one of the switch pushbuttons 34 has been illustrated in Fig. 7, being shown as having three contact points which, when the button is depressed, close on three corresponding contact points, thus providing the switch contacts A, B and C previously described in connection with Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C. It will be apparent that there are either two or three of such contact points provided in the circuit of Fig. 7 for each of the ninety-nine switches. It will also be observed that these ninety-nine switches are laid out in a rectangular array having ten columns and ten rows, the place in the array corresponding to the first row and the first column being vacant. From the tables at the top and side of Fig. 7, it may be seen that the columns are numbered from 1 through 10 from leftto right and that these columns are assigned unit values of 0-9, respectively. This simply means that any key pressed in the third column, i.e., the Z-unit column, will produce a change value involving 2 plus some multiple of 10. Similarly, each row is assigned a number from 1 to 10 from the top to the bottom of the rectangular. array of switches, the ten rows being assigned tens values of 0-9, respectively. This simply means that any key in the first row will produce change the second through the ninth rows will produce change '10 equaling some total value between 10 and 19, be tween 20 and 29, between 30 and 39, etc. i

To produce the desired total value of change in response to actuation of any one of the ninety-nine switches, the conductors and switches are so arranged that closure of any switch in the second or seventh columns, i.e., the l-' unit or 6-unit columns, will result in energization of the 1 primary line. For this purpose the 1 primary line is run directly up beneath the switches in the second column and tied in common to the C contacts for such switches. In like manner, the 1 primary conductor is run over and down beneath the switch pushbuttons in the seventh column and tied in common to the C contacts thereof. Further, means are provided such that closure of any switch in the third or eighth columns, i.e., the 2- unit or 7-unit columns, will result in energization of the 2 primary conductor. For this purpose, the 2 primary conductor is run vertically upward beneath the switches in the third column, and tied in common with the C contacts thereof, and then run vertically downward beneath the switches in the eighth column, and tied in common to the C contacts thereof. Additionally, means are provided to energize the 3 primary conductor in response to closure of any switch in the fourth or the ninth columns, i.e., the 3-unit or 8-unit columns. For this purpose, the 3 secondary conductor may be run directly under all of the switches in the fourth and ninth columns and tied in common to the C contacts thereof. Finally, means are provided to energize the 4 primary conductor in response to closure of any switch located in the fifth or tenth columns, i.e., the 4-unit or 9-unit columns. For; this purpose, the 4 primary conductor may be run directly beneath all of the switches in the fifth and tenth columns, and tied in common to the C contacts for all of those switches.

In order to complete the wiring connections, the 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and conductors are connected to the first five switches at the left in the first through the tenth rows, respectively, of the switch array. In other words, those conductors corresponding to even multiples of 10 values are each located in a corresponding row, but may be connected in common to the A contacts of all of the switches in that row which reside in the first through the fifth columns. A moments inspection of Fig. 7 will reveal that all of these conductors assigned to multiples of ten follow the same general pattern and are connected in common with five switches in their respective rows.

In like manner, the primary and secondary conductors which are assigned the values of 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, and are each connected with switches in the second through the tenth rows, and within its row, each one of those conductors is connected in common with the five switches at the right, i.e., those switches in the sixth through the tenth columns.

Once those wiring connections are made, the circuitry is complete. To illustrate how simply it operates, consider for example, the switch place marked 66 in Fig. 7. It will be seen that upon closure of the 66 switch, the positive terminal 91 of a direct voltage source will be connected directly to the 1 primary line and the 65: secondary conductor. As a result and in a manner previously described, the best change totaling 66 will be ejected from the associated coin magazine assembly 15 as the motor 71 makes one revolution.

It will be seen from Fig. 7 that the positive terminal 91 for the voltage source may be supplied over a com mon conductor which leads to the center or B contact for each and every one of the ninety-nine switches in the array. It may also be observed from Fig. 7 that the several diodes employed to create the secondary conductors may be located physically within the.

circuit connections, the diodes in Fig. 7 carrying corresponding reference characters to those shown in Figs.. 6A, 6B, and 6C.

positive terminal of a DC voltage source. in Fig. 9, this common conductor 12% is in the form As shown in Fig. 6C, the 5, l, 25, 50 and $1.00 change switches may be interconnected with different primary and secondary conductors to produce change for their designated assigned values. in order to accomplish this, a pair of similarly poled diodes H are connected from a five pennies secondary line to the la and 4 primary lines. Thus, closure of the A and B contacts of the 5 change switch results in energizat-ion from the positive terminal i l of the five pennies secondary line, and consequently in energization of the 1c and 4 primary conductors. "thus, five pennies will be ejected from the coin magazines. The change switch has A and C contacts connected respectively with the 5 primary conductor and the five pennies secondary conductor, so that actuation of this switch will produce 10 in change made up of five pennies and one nickel. The 25 change switch has A and C contacts leading to the 20 and 5 primary conductors, so that actuation of this switch will produce 25 in change made up of two dimes and one nickel. The 59 change switch has A and C contacts leading to the 45 secondary co-nductor and the 5 primary conductor, so that actuation of this switch will produce change made up of one quarter, two dimes and one nickel. The $1.00 change switch has A and C contacts leading to the 95 secondary conductor and the 59. primary conductor, so that actuation of this switch will produce change made up of one half-dollar, one quarter, two dimes and one nickel.

It will be seen from Fig. 7 that the line connections for the auxiliary or change switches are also relatively easily accomplished. All of the switches have a center or B contact adapted for connection to the positive terminal 91 of the voltage source. The 5;? change switch simply connects to the five pennies conductor, while the 10 change switch connects to both the five pennies and 51 conductors. The 25 change switch connects the positive source terminal conductor to the 51; line and to the 20 conductors, the 50 change switch connects the positive terminal conductor to the 5 conductor and the 45 conductor, while the $1.60 change switch connects the positive terminal conductor to both the 5 conductor and the 95 conductor.

By virtue of the pattern of the physical wiring connections described in connection with Fig. 7, the keyboard assembly, switches and wiring connections can be conveniently and compactly constructed by taking ad- Vantage of printed circuit techniques. As shown in Fig. 8, the top panel of the keyboard 16 need only be provide with a plurality of apertures 130 through which the respective pushbuttons 34 slidably project. The pushbuttons themselves may be formed of a suitable insulating material such as plastic or wood, and need only be provided with metal plates 131 secured to their undersides as by a projection on the button which extends through a blade in the plate and which is peened over to lock the plate in place. The plates 131 and buttons 34 have central apertures 134 (see also Figs. 11 and 12) for receiving posts 135 and compression springs 135a. The posts slidably project through guide openings 13512 in the lower panel 31; Each pushbutton also has an integral flange 136 at its lower edge which is oversize with respect to the apertures 130 in the top panel 32. Thus, the compression springs 135a in bearing against the lower panel 31 bias the pushbut-tons 34 upwardly to limit positions determined by engagement of the flanges 136 with the underside of the panel 32. At diagonally opposite corners, each metal plate 131 includes downwardly extending outturned feet 131a which are so located as to engage the common conductor 121B connectable to the As shown of a printed metal ribbon deposited on the upper surface of the bottom panel 31 (made of electrical insulating material) and extending laterally across each of the ten rows of switches as well as across the row of auxiliary change switches. Thus, whenever one of the switch push buttons 34 is fully depressed, the feet 1310: of the metal plate 131 engage the common conductor 12% and con nect the plate 131 to the positive terminal of a suitable voltage source. The downturned feet 131a and the printed conductor 12% thus form the B contacts of each of the several selector switches.

The A and C contacts of each of the selector switches are created simply by mounting one or two resilient terminal posts on the panel 31 beneath the metal plate 131 of that switch pushbu-tton. As shown in Figs. 11 and 12, such resilient terminal posts are formed by a metal grommet 138 extending through and locked to the lower panel 31, the grommet being hollow and slidably receiving a contact pin 139 which is'enlarged' at 140 and engaged by a compression spring 141 contained within the grommet. The spring 141 thus biases each pin 139 upwardly to a limit position, and as the associated switch button 3 is depressed, the pin is contacted by the metal plate 131 and then shifted downwardly against the bias of the spring 14-1 until the shoes 131a contact the conductor 129. By virtue of this simple construction, the A and C contacts of each selector switch are caused to make and then yield before the B contacts make. In other words, each of the selector switches may have two wiping contacts A and C which make first and slide until finally the third set of contacts B closes.

As shown in Fig. 9, the wiring connections to the grommets 138 for the several switches forming a part of the A contacts is completed by printed metallic conductors exemplified in the fragmentary view by the metal ribbons designated as the 55, 65, 75, and secondary conductors. These metallic ribbons may be applied by printed circuit techniques to the upper sur face of the lower panel 31 and have electrical contact with the several gronnnets. This is a relatively simple and convenient manufacturing operation.

To complete the wiring connections, additional printed circuit conductors are provided on the underside of the lower panel 31 as shown in Fig. 10. As there illustrated, the grommets which project through the lower panel 31 are electrically connected to printed circuit conductors formed as metallic ribbons. These are illustrated in Fig. 10 by ribbons labeled as the l, 2, 3 and 4 conductors, and it will be apparent that these conductors extend along the 6-unit, 7-unit, 8-unit and 9-unit columns, being connected in common to the grommets which form a part of the C contacts of the several selector switches. The various diodes which are required as shown in Figs. 6A, 6B and 6C and in Fig. 7 may be wired directly between the grommets as illustrated by the exemplary diode D in Fig. 10. These diodes may be of the small glassenclosed crystal type, occupying very little space and susceptible of convenient wiring connection to the grommets on the underside of the lower panel 31.

In order to understand that complete sequence of operation for one coin ejection cycle, reference may be had to the schematic diagram of the control circuit shown in Fig. 13. As there shown, the lines L1, L2 are connected to a suitable AC. voltage source whenever the switch TS is closed. Since as described with reference to Fig. 4, the switch TS is actuated only when the coin tray 17 is in place, the entire control circuit is disabled whenever the operator removes the coin tray. The switch TS thus serves not only as an on-off switch but precludes curious meddling whenever the operator leaves his station and takes the coin tray with him, as is the common practice. The DC. voltage source for the selector switch circuitry is created by connecting a primary winding T1 of a transformer T across the lines L1, L2 through nor-- mally closed contacts E1 of the empty detector switch The secondary winding T2 of the transformer T is centertapped, its extremities being connected through similarly poled diodes or rectifiers to the positive terminal 91,

and a filtering condenser C connected from the latter terminal to the center tap of the secondary winding to form the negative terminal 90'. Thus, as long as the empty detector contacts E1 are closed, the terminal 91 will be positive with respect to the terminal 90. The positive terminal 91 is connected, as indicated, by the conductor 120 to the keyboard and switch circuits as illustrated in detail by Fig. 7. The latter circuits as shown in Fig. 6C include the selector solenoids 59-66 which are all connected in series with the coil of relay R1 to the negative terminal 90.

Means are provided which in response to the closure of any one of the selector switches will energizethe ejecting motor 70. For this purpose, the relay R1 has normally open contacts Rla connected in series with the field winding 70a of the motor 70 across lines L1, L2 through the contacts E1 and normally closed relay contacts R2a, controlled by a'relay R2. Thus, as soon as any selector switch on the keyboard is closed and current flows through any one of the selector solenoids 59-66, the relay R1 will be energized and the contacts Rla closed. This will energize the field winding of the motor 70 (which may be a shaded pole type induction motor). As soon as the motor shaft turns slightly, however, the normally open contacts CS1 and CS2 of the cam switch CS will close, the contacts CS1 creating a seal-in circuit from the line L1 for the motor field winding 70a. The motor 70 will thus continue to rotate until its output shaft makes one complete revolution and the cam 71 again opens the contacts CS1, even though the selector switch should be released and the relay R1 de-energized. The cam 71 and the cam switch contacts CS1 thus form means for continuing the energization of the motor 70, but stopping the motor after its output shaft has made one complete revolution.

It is highlydesirable to prevent the motor from being energized for rotation through a second revolution if the operator should inadvertently hold a selector switch closed until after the cam switch contacts CS1 re-open.

' For this'purpose, an anti-repeat relay R2 is connected in the circuit with means to energize it as an incident to the motor 70 being started, and with means for continuing the energization of that relay for so long as a selector switch is closed, the relay having means to prevent re-energization of the motor through the relay contacts Rla after the cam switch contacts CS1 re-close. In

more detail, it will be seen from Fig. 13 that the relay coil R2 is connected in series from the line L1 through the contacts E1, R1a, normally closed contacts R211, and cam switch contacts CS2 to the opposite line L2. Therefore, as soon as the motor 70 is started and the cam switch contacts CS2 close, the relay R2 will be energized thus causing its normally closed contacts R2a to be opened. The relay R2 will be sealed in through the contacts CS1 and CS2 until the motor completes one revolution and if at'the completion of such revolution and the resultant opening of the contacts CS1 and CS2, a selector switch is still held closed by the operator and the relay R1 is still actuated, then the relay R2 will be sealed in through the relay contacts Rla and its own normally open contacts R2b. For as long as the relay R2 is energized,

the contacts Rla, even if closed, cannot energize the motor 70 to start it on another ejection cycle. Therefore, before a second ejection cycle can be initiated, the operator must release the keyboard switch thereby de-energizing the relay R1 and causing the contacts Rla to open. This will unseal or de-energize the relay R2, so that the contacts R2a will re-close and condition the circuit for a second cycle of operation.

It may also be observed from Fig. 13 that the contacts E1 of the empty detector switch E, when actuated, will completely disable the selector switches and the motor 70. Current cannot then pass either to the transformer primary winding T1 or to the motor field 70a. In this manner, whenever the supply of coins in any given magazine is substantially depleted, presenting the possibility of an erroneous amount of change beingejected, the cir= cuitry is completely disabled. This situation may be brought to the attention of the operator by normally open contacts E2 for the empty detector switch E connected in series with a pilot light P across the lines L1, L2. Thus, whenever an empty magazine is detected and the circuitry disabled by the contacts E1, the pilot light P located at the keyboard (Fig. 1) will be energized to inform the operator of this condition. If it is desired to operate the ejecting mechanism one or more times even if coin magazines are substantially emptyand this might be desired in some instances to completely empty all of the magazinesa normally open, manually controlled by-pass switch 35a (controlled by the pushbutton 35, Fig. 1) may be connected in series with the normally open contacts E2 and thence in parallel with the normally closed contacts E1. Thus, to operate the ejecting mechanism even though a coin magazine is empty, the operator simply presses or closes the by-pass switch 35a. The pilot light P will remain energized, but the keyboard circuits and the motor circuitry will be operative in the same manner as described before.

It is to be particularly noted in connection with the controls illustrated by Fig. 13 that the operator need only depress a selector switch pushbutton in order to obtain any desired amount of change. He need not first select th'e'amount of pushing a selector switch, and then actuate a second switch to initiate the operation of the ejecting means. Rather, by the provision of a current responsive relay in series with all of the selector solenoids 59-66, the power means for physically ejecting the selected combination of coins is started automatically as soon as one ofthe selector solenoids is energized.

In view of this, the importance of the extra B contacts for each of the selector switches will now be made clear. Assume first that the extra B contacts of the switches in Figs. 6A, 6B, and 6C were omitted, and reliance placed on the operation of the A and C contacts to energize simultaneously two of the selector solenoids. Taking the 7 switch byway of example, the 293 line and the 5 line might possibly be energized at different instants owing to non-uniformity in the wiping contacts provided by the slidable pins 139 (Figs. 11 and 12). If the A contacts should close considerably before the C contacts for the 7 switch, then the solenoid 63 would be energized first, and the relay coil R1 energized simultaneously. This could possibly start the motor and advance the U-shaped rocking member 52 (Fig. 3) before the C contacts close to energize the solenoid 62 and raise the ejector finger 49 for the 2 magazine 60. Thus, it might happen that only a nickel instead of a nickel and two pennies would be ejected during the single revolution of the gear motor 70.

Through the provision of the auxiliary B contacts, this possibility is eliminated, and complete reliability is obtained without requiring that the individual selector switches be precisely constructed at a relatively great expense to assure that the A and C contacts close at exactly the same instant. For in the present instance, as will be apparent from the 7 selector switch in Fig. 6A, neither the 2 primary line nor the 5 primary line can be energized upon closure of the A and C switch contacts until the auxiliary B contacts in series therewith close to create a path from the positive source terminal 91. As previously explained in connection with Figs. 11 and 12, and A and C contacts close first and then wipe until the B contacts close as the pushbutton 34 is depressed. Thus, the A and C contacts are always both closed by the time that the B contacts close, and so the two solenoids connected individually in circuit with the A and C contacts will both be simultaneously energized at the instant that the B contacts close. This is a very imporant feature contributing to absolute reliability of the apparatus without requirement that the selector switches be of precision, highcost construction.

.We claim as our invention:

1. In a coin dispensing mechanism having two magazines for holding coins and means including first and second electrical actuators for ejecting coins of two respective values from said magazines, the combination comprising first and second key switches connected in circuit respectively with said first and second actuators for selectively energizing the latter, a third key switch, and two unidirectionally conductive devices connected with like polarity respectively from said first and second actuators in circuit with said third switch, said circuits being adapted for connection to a direct voltage source of a polarity rendering said devices conductive when said third switch is closed, whereby the closure of said third switch energizes both said actuators, and closure of said first or second switches respectively energizes the first or second actuators alone.

2. In a coin dispensing mechanism having two magazines for holding coins and means including first and second electrical actuators for ejecting coins of first and second respective values from said magazines, the combination comprising first and second normally open key switches connected in series circuits with said first and second actuators, respectively, a third normally open key switch, and two unidirectionally conductive devices connected with like polarity between respective ones of said actuators and said third key switch to form a third circuit, said circuits being adapted for connection to a direct voltage source of a polarity to make said devices conductive when said third switch is closed, so that closure of said first and second switches results in the respective ejection of said first and second coin values, and closure of said third switch results in ejection of the sum of said first and second coin values.

3. In a coin dispensing mechanism having first, .second and third magazines for holding coins and means including first, second, and third electrical actuators for ejecting coins of first, second and third values from the respectivemagazines; the combination comprising first, second, and third key switches connected directly in series respectively with said firs-t, second and third actuators, a pair of diodes connected with like polarity between said first and second actuators and a junction line, a fourth key switch connected in circuit with said junction line, a fifth key switch having one set of normally open contacts connected in circuit with said junction line and another set of normally open contacts connected in circuit with said third actuator; so that closure of said first, second, third, fourth and fifth switches causes ejection of coins equaling (1) said first value, (2) said second value, (3) said third value, (4) the sum of said first and second values, and (5) the sum of said first, second, and third values, respectively.

4. In a coin dispensing mechanism having a plurality of magazines for holding coins of various denominations, and means for ejecting coins of different primary values from said magazines; apparatus for selecting various combinations of magazines to contribute coins to a desired one of several total change values comprising, in combination, a plurality of electrical actuators each associated with one of said magazines and its ejector means, a plurality of pushbutton switches each corresponding to one of several total change values, means for connecting certain ones of said switches directly in circuit with individual ones and certain pairs of said actuators to efiect dispensation of certain ones of said several total changes values, and means including unidirectionally conductive devices for connecting certain others of said switches in circuit with various other combinations of said actuators to effect dispensation of certain others of said several total change values.

5. In a coin dispensing mechanism having eight maga zines for holding coins of'various vdenominations, and means for ejecting coins from said magazines having the primary values of 1, 2, 4, 5, l,r20, 25 and 50; apparatus for selectively causing said ejecting means to operate in various combinations to dispense coins totaling any value between 1 and 99 comprising, in combination, eight electrical primary conductors vand means connected in circuit therewith for efiecting ejection of said eight respective coin values in response to energization thereof, ninety-nine pushbutton switches each assigned to one change value between 1 and 99, means for connecting eight of said switches directly in circuit with individual ones of said primary conductors, means for connecting fifteen of said switches directly in circuit with fifteen paired combinations of said eight primary conductors, and means including a plurality of unidirectionally conductive devices for connecting the remaining seventy-six of said switches in circuit with difierent combinations of said primary conductors.

6. In a coin dispensing mechanism having a plurality of magazines for coins of different denominations, and ejectors for dispensing coins of a plurality of primary change values from said magazines, the combination comprising a plurality of electric actuators associated with respective ones of said ejectors for operatiyely conditioning the latter, a plurality of primary conductors connected to respective ones of said actuators, a plurality of secondary conductors connected to difierent combinations of said primary conductors through unilaterally conductive devices, a plurality of normally open pushbutton switches each corresponding to one of several total change values, means connecting a first group of said switches directly in series with individual ones of said primary conductors so that closure of each switch in the first group results in dispensation of a different primary change value, and means connecting a second group of said switches in series with individual ones and combinations of secondary conductors and combinations of said secondary and primary conductors so that closure of each switch in the second group results in dispensation of coins equalling secondary change values which are equal to the sum of two or more primary change values.

7. In a coin dispensing mechanism having eight coinholding magazines, the combination comprising eight primary conductors and means associated therewith for ejecting primary change values of 1, 2, 4, 20, and 50 when respective ones of said conductors are electrically energized; fifteen secondary conductors; means ineluding a plurality of unidirectionally conductive devices connected in combinations between said primary conductors and said secondary conductors for causing said ejecting means to eject secondary change values of 3, 15, and upon electrical energizatien of respective ones of said secondary conductors, ninety-nine switches disposed in a rectangular array with ten columns and ten rows, the place of the first row andfirst column in said array being vacant; means for energizing the said l, 2, 3, or 4 conductors when any switch in the second, third, fourth or fifth columns, respectively, is closed; means for energizing said l, 2, 3 and 4 conductors when any switch in the seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth columns, respectively, is closed; means for energizing said 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 conductors when any switch in the first five columns and located in the second through the tenth rows, respectively, of said array is closed; means for energizing said 5, 15, 25, 35, 45,

in the second five columns and located in the second through the tenth rows, respectively, is closed; so that closure of individual ones of said switches results in ejection of change having the values of 1 through 99, respectively.

In a coin dispensing mechanism having eight coinholding magazines, the combination comprising eight electric actuators associated with respective ones of said magazines; eight primary conductors, means including conplurality of diodes interconnected between said secondary I conductors for causing said ejecting means to eject secondary change values of 3, 85, or in response to electrical energization of respective ones of said secondary conductors; ninety-nine normally open switches disposed in a rectangular array with ten columns for the respective multiples 0-9 of units and ten rows for the respective multiples 0-9 of ten, the place in the first row and first column of said array being vacant; means for electrically energizing said 1, 2, 3 or 4 conductors in response to closure of any switch in the said l-unit and 6-.unit, 2-unit and 7-unit, 3-unit and S-unit, 4-unit and 9-unit columns, respectively; means for electrically energizing said 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, or 90 conductors in response to closure of any switch in the O-unit through the 4-unit columns and located in the l-tens, Z-tens, S-tens, 4-tens, S-tens, 6-tens, 7-tens, S-tens, or 9-tens rows, respectively; means for electrically energizing said 5, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, or 95 conductor in response to closure of a switch in the 5-unit through the 9-unit columns and located in the O-tens, l-tens, 2-tens, 3-tens, 4-tens, S-tens, 6-tens, 7-tens, S-tens, or 9-tens, respectively; those of said switches corresponding to said primary and secondary change values each having one normally open contact, and all of the remaining switches having two normally open contacts.

9. In a coin dispensing mechanism having a plurality of coin-holding magazines, the combination comprising a plurality of electric actuators associated with respective ones of said magazines, a plurality of primary conductors,

for energizing diiferent paired combinations of said primary conductors or one primary conductor andone secondary conductor, certain ones of said primary conductors being energized in response to closure of any switch in certain ones of said columns, and certain ones of said secondary conductors being energized only in. response to closure of a switch in corresponding certain ones of said rows.

10. In a coin dispensing mechanism having two coinholding magazines, the combination comprising an ejector mechanism associated with each magazine and including an electric actuator for operatively conditioning the ejector mechanism, means for operating in unison those ejector mechanisms which are conditioned, means for initiating action of said operating means in response to energiza tion of either one of said actuators, a pushbutton switch having two sets of wiping contacts and a third set of contacts which close only after the wiping contacts have closed, means connecting said two sets of wiping contacts respectively in series with said two actuators, and means connecting each set of wiping contacts and its associated actuator in series with said third set of contacts, whereby upon pressing said pushbutton switch neither of said actuators is energized nor the action of said operating means including connections between said actuators and I primary conductors for ejecting any one of a plurality of primary change values in response to electrical energization of respective ones of said primary conductors, a plurality of secondary conductors, means including a plu rality of unidirectionally conductive devices interconnected between said secondary conductors and primary conductors for causing said ejecting means to eject any one of a plurality of secondary change values which are the sums of two or more primary change values in re sponse to energization of respective ones of said secondary conductors, a plurality of switches arranged in a rectangular array having a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows, means responsive to closure of any one of a first group of switches for energizing respective ones ofsaid primary lines, means responsive to closure of any one of a-second group of switches for energizing respective ones of said secondary conductors, and means responsive to closure of any one of a third group of saidswitches means initiated until the third set of contacts is closed.

11. In a coin dispensing mechanism having a plurality of magazines for holding coins, the combination comprising a plurality of movable ejector members associated with respective ones of said magazines, a plurality of electric actuators for moving said ejector members to operative positions, power means activated in response to energization of any one of said actuators for shifting all of said ejector members in unison to cause those which are operatively positioned to eject coins from the corresponding magazines, a plurality of key switches each having first and second sets of normally open wiping contacts and a third set of normally open contacts which close only after said first and second contacts have closed, A means connecting the first and second contacts of each one of said switches in series combination with two of said actuators, means connecting said two series combinations in a parallel combination, and means connecting the third contact of the corresponding one of said switches in a series circuit adapted for connection to a voltage source, so that neither of said two actuators is energized until said third contact of the corresponding switch closes and neither of the two actuators can be energized before the other one.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

